ascetical

Given to abstinence

Ascetical means relating to or characterized by rigorous self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, especially for spiritual purposes.

The word describes practices, writings, or ways of life devoted to austerity: ascetical theology, an ascetical approach to prayer.

It overlaps with ascetic but appears more often in religious and academic contexts, particularly Catholic tradition.

discipline

self-denial

Restraining one's own desires

mortificationIntense shame or embarrassment
abstinenceVoluntary forgoing of indulgences
fastingDeliberate food avoidance

penance · self-mortification · self-abnegation · renunciation · austerity · temperance · celibacy · chastity · self-restraint · self-control

austere

spartan

Rigorously simple, unadorned

starkSevere and unadorned
severeExtremely harsh or strict
austereSeverely simple and unadorned

stern · rigid · harsh · unadorned · bare · bleak · grim · sober · plain · chaste

spiritual

contemplation

Sustained reflective attention

meditationFocused attention practice
devotionDeep, loyal commitment
pietySincere religious devotion

holiness · sanctity · purity · transcendence · enlightenment · monasticism · hermitage · solitude · prayer · mysticism

monastic

monk

Cloistered religious devotee

nunHebrew alphabet's fourteenth
friarMendicant order member
hermitPerson choosing total seclusion

anchorite · cloister · monastery · convent · abbey · cell · habit · vows · rule · order

Opposites

self-denial vs. indulgence

asceticalhedonistic

Devoted to sensual pursuits

indulgent · self-indulgent · sybaritic · gluttonous · voluptuous

spiritual discipline vs. worldly pleasure

asceticalworldly

Experienced in practical affairs

carnal · fleshly · materialistic · secular · earthly

Phrases

ascetic lifeExistence of severe self-discipline

Family

ascetic, asceticism, ascetics, ascetically

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Rated G